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Andrus, others return from World Baseball Classic

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Elvis Andrus is on his way back to Arizona and has something waiting for him when he arrives.

One of his teammates posted a "Welcome Back Elvis" sign on his locker Sunday morning after the news that Venezuela had been knocked out in the first round of the World Basketball Classic.

"Elvis was talking garbage about who was going to come back first," manager Ron Washington said. "He told [Nelson] Cruz he would be the first one to come back. Now Elvis is coming back. They couldn't wait to get on Elvis. Somebody sent him a text message this morning. They told him he's got early work at 8:30 this morning."

Venezuela's final game was Sunday in Puerto Rico. Washington said he expects Andrus to report immediately back to Surprise.

"Why would you want to hang around Puerto Rico?" Washington asked. "If you just had your heart snatched out of you over something you really wanted, why would you want to hang around there?"

Spain and Mexico also failed to advance, so the Rangers will also get outfielder Engel Beltre and catcher Junior Felix back soon.